Automotive Trends

Tokyo, February 14, 2017  – Mitsubishi  Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced it has chosen the name Eclipse Cross for its new compact SUV model to be debuted at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show* in Geneva, Switzerland on 7-19 March, 2017.  Eclipse derives its name from MMC’s popular specialty coupe model sold in the US from 1989, while Cross is short for crossover.  Eclipse is also a word used to describe an astronomical event. Marrying stylish coupe lines with the freedom of movement of an SUV, the beautiful, dynamic form of Eclipse Cross serves to bring about the same sense of excitement and inspiration as the diamond ring seen immediately before and after a total solar eclipse.  The high-saturation red body color newly developed for the model is also reflected in the name to evoke the brilliance of the prominence seen during the total solar eclipse.  * Le 87e Salon international de l’automobile Genève 2017. With press days on 7-8 March, the show is open to

Safety first or savings first? There’s no compromise when it comes to the new 2017 Pajero Sport – the safest Pajero yet, available for the limited price of $49,990 1 . Named ‘Top Lifestyle SUV of 2016’ 2  by  Stuff  motoring journalists and the bestselling vehicle in its class since launch, it could be argued that the Pajero Sport is great as it is. That hasn’t stopped Mitsubishi from adding even more smart technology to its 2017 model update, however – and at no extra cost to customers. In fact, the new Pajero Sport has more standard safety features than any Pajero to date – and with seven seats, no one need miss the ride. “For no extra cost, we’ve improved on what are already very high safety specifications across the range to ensure the new Pajero Sport provides even greater value and added peace of mind,” says Mitsubishi head of sales and marketing strategy Daniel Cook. “ Pajero Sport is built for adventure, with family safety at heart. So whether you’re heading for

The new 2017 Triton ; our best-selling range is now bigger and better than ever before!  The range has grown from 11 to 14 models, with more automatic and high specification options to meet customer demand. Single Cab models are now automatic, while new Club Cab Chassis automatic and manual Club Cab Wellside models have been added. Two new range topping 2WD and 4WD VRX models up the stakes with a range of premium new features including; leather seats, heated front seats with the driver’s powered, Mitsubishi Smart Phone Link Display Audio with Apple Carplay and Andriod Auto, leather wrapped 4-spoke steering wheel, premium instrument metre, new dark pewter chrome grille and headlights and an integrated sidestep. On the 4WD VRX, differential lock adds extra grit to Triton’s off-road capability which is already proven by Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system. “Our customers’ needs are changing, they now want luxury car features and easy to drive automatic transmissions , as w

     With pure electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of a stunning new platform, Hyundai has created a cat sure to scatter the EV pigeons when it arrives in less than two months, opines DAVE MOORE.  The All-New Hyundai IONIQ is the world's first car to offer three electrified powertrains and it will be in New Zealand in February with the pure electric version being the least expensive EV of all at $59,990. The line-up consisting of the IONIQ Hybrid, the IONIQ Electric and the IONIQ Plug-in will make low- to zero-emission mobility accessible to more people than ever before. The IONIQ will also offer the latest connectivity and safety features with an enhanced industry-leading warranty-package. The IONIQ is an important milestone in Hyundai's sustainability strategy, bringing to life the brand's new thinking through new innovative technologies and extending the company's product range of low-to-zero emission vehicles, which already includes world's fi

TOKYO -- Mitsubishi Motor Corp.'s operating profit tumbled 81 percent in the latest quarter, hit by falling sales, foreign exchange rate losses and costs from a fuel economy scandal. Operating profit dropped to 8.4 billion yen ($72 million) in the Japanese automaker’s fiscal third quarter ended Dec. 31, from 43.6 billion yen ($373.5 million) a year earlier. Net income fell 74 percent to 6.3 billion yen ($54 million) in the three months, Executive Vice President and CFO Koji Ikeya said, while announcing financial results on Tuesday. Revenue slid 19 percent to 476.9 billion yen ($4.09 billion), as global retail sales declined 11 percent to 237,000 vehicles in the fiscal third quarter. Mitsubishi’s operating profit was undercut by falling sales in every market except Japan, where volume only inched ahead, and North America, where sales remained flat from the year before. Foreign exchange rate losses lopped 26.2 billion yen ($224.5 million) off the company’s quarterly ope

A day after Mitsubishi recalled close to 500,000 cars in Australia, they are about to recall 27,000 vehicles in New Zealand . This comes just a day after Toyota recalled over 35,000 vehicles in New Zealand over faulty fuel systems and airbags , part of a global recall of 3.37 million cars. While the Mitsubishi recall has not yet been registered on the NZ Transport Agency's Vehicle Safety database, Mitsubishi NZ spokesman Daniel Cook confirmed the plan and said there was a potential risk that could affect a vehicle's headlights or indicators. "For us here, the issue is a lighting switch connector terminal that can oxidise, basically. "And if that oxidises, the lighting switch could fail or the lights may turn off or may not turn on or something to that effect." The 27,000 vehicles set to be recalled include those from the Lancer , Outlander , Pajero , Triton and iMiEV ranges. The vehicle age range is between 2007 and 2015 , but they will vary a bit